COLOMBO, SRI LANKA - OCTOBER 07: Chris Gayle of the West Indies celebrates after winning the ICC World Twenty20 2012 Final between Sri Lanka and the West Indies at R. Premadasa Stadium on October 7, 2012 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

<p>The 2012 ICC T20 World Cup, held in Sri Lanka, marked a historic moment for the West Indies cricket team as they clinched their first T20 World Cup title. The tournament was a showcase of their explosive talent and resilience. Let&#8217;s take a closer look at their journey from the group stages to the final, highlighting the key players who contributed to their success.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Group Stage Games</strong></h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Match 1: West Indies vs. Australia</strong></h3>



<p>The West Indies kicked off their campaign against Australia in Colombo. Batting first, the West Indies posted a challenging total of 191/8, with <a href="https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrFAX0NylBm2AkDZh9XNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNiZjEEcG9zAzIEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1717780238/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.espncricinfo.com%2fcricketers%2fchris-gayle-51880/RK=2/RS=mwatIwIQ8zUnXVjC_owMhOn2HoI-">Chris Gayle</a> top-scoring with 54 runs off 33 balls. However, rain interrupted the match, and Australia set a revised target of 83 runs in 9.1 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis method, achieving it comfortably, scoring 100/1 in 9.1 overs. Despite the loss, the West Indies showed their batting prowess.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Match 2: West Indies vs. Ireland</strong></h3>



<p>In their second group match, the West Indies faced Ireland, also in Colombo. The match was affected by rain, leading to a tied game. However, Ireland batted first and posted 129/6 in 19 overs before the game was completely called off due to rain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Super Eight Stage Games</strong></h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Match 1: West Indies vs. England</strong></h3>



<p>The Super Eight stage began with a thrilling encounter against England. The West Indies batted first and put up a formidable total of 179/5, thanks to Johnson Charles&#8217; 84 off 56 balls and Chris Gayle&#8217;s 58 off 35 balls. England, in response, fell short by 15 runs, scoring 164/4 in their 20 overs. Samuel Badree&#8217;s tight bowling was instrumental in restricting the English side.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Match 2: West Indies vs. Sri Lanka</strong></h3>



<p>In their second Super Eight match, the West Indies faced hosts Sri Lanka in Pallekele. Batting first, the West Indies struggled to 129/5 in their 20 overs, with Marlon Samuels scoring a crucial 50 off 35 balls. Sri Lanka chased down the target with ease, reaching 130/1 in 15.2 overs. This loss put pressure on the West Indies to win their final Super Eight match to progress to the semifinals.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Match 3: West Indies vs. New Zealand</strong></h3>



<p>The decider match against New Zealand was a nail-biting affair. The West Indies posted a modest total of 139/9, with Chris Gayle scoring 30 off 14 balls. New Zealand matched this total, ending their innings at 139/7, forcing the game into a Super Over. In the Super Over, New Zealand scored 17 runs, which West Indies chased down with one ball to spare and secured a spot in the semifinals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Knockout Stage Games</strong></h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Semifinal: West Indies vs. Australia</strong></h3>



<p>The semifinal clash against Australia in Colombo was a dominant performance by the West Indies. Batting first, they posted an imposing total of 205/4, with Chris Gayle blasting an unbeaten 75 off 41 balls. Kieron Pollard added a quickfire 38 off 15 balls. Australia, in response, crumbled under the pressure and were bowled out for 131 in 16.4 overs. Ravi Rampaul&#8217;s 3/16 and Samuel Badree&#8217;s 2/27 played crucial roles in their emphatic 74-run victory.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Final: West Indies vs. Sri Lanka</strong></h3>



<p>The grand finale in Colombo saw the West Indies face off against Sri Lanka. Batting first, the West Indies struggled initially, but Marlon Samuels played a sensational innings, scoring 78 off 56 balls, helping his team post a competitive total of 137/6. In response, Sri Lanka could only manage 101 all out in 18.4 overs, with Sunil Narine&#8217;s 3/9 and Daren Sammy’s 2/6 dismantling the Sri Lankan batting line-up. The West Indies won by 36 runs, clinching their first T20 World Cup title.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Key Performers</strong></h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Batting Stars</strong></h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Chris Gayle: The cornerstone of the West Indies&#8217; batting, with crucial contributions throughout the tournament.</li>



<li>Marlon Samuels: His match-winning innings in the final was instrumental in their victory. He was also the top-scorer for the West Indies in the competition, with 230 runs in seven matches.</li>



<li>Johnson Charles: Played a vital role in the Super Eight match against England with a brilliant 84.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Bowling Heroes</strong></h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Sunil Narine: He was the top wicket-taker for West Indies, taking nine wickets in seven matches.</li>



<li>Ravi Rampaul: Delivered crucial breakthroughs, particularly in the semifinal against Australia.</li>



<li>Samuel Badree: Provided key wickets and maintained tight control in the powerplays.</li>
</ul>



<p>The West Indies&#8217; 2012 <a href="https://www.caribbeancricket.org/west-indies-2016-t20-world-cup/">T20 World Cup</a> triumph was a testament to their explosive talent and never-say-die attitude. Their journey to glory, marked by thrilling matches and standout performances, remains one of the most memorable chapters in T20 cricket history.</p>

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